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Las Vegas - serving Nevada
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Downtown office

400 S 7th St, Ste 490, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Map directions

Police Let Man Smoking Fentanyl Go, Then He Causes Triple-Fatal DUI

Las Vegas wrongful death attorneys discuss a fatal DUI crash and police negligence

Posted Nov 26, 2024 by Wooldridge Law Injury Lawyers |

In 2022, Tyler Kennedy, a 33-year-old self-proclaimed career criminal, was reportedly driving over 90 mph when he slammed into a Ford F-150 that was carrying a family from Idaho. The horrific incident resulted in the death of three individuals inside the Ford F-150.

According to Kennedy, the horrific DUI isn’t entirely his fault, although he has pled guilty. Why? Authorities had stopped the suspect hours earlier and allowed him to drive away despite admitting to taking opioids to avoid withdrawal. During this initial traffic stop, police reportedly discovered drug paraphernalia, pills, and tin foil in the car. Police also suspected the driver was high on fentanyl and not opioids.

Kennedy says that the authorities should not have let him go because he was clearly acting irrationally and was high on drugs. After the fatal crash, deputies again found a new bottle of pills, tin foil, glass pipes, and meth.

As a result of the crash, three family members perished and only two children survived. Both surviving children now suffer from significant brain damage that will prevent them from getting involved in contact sports for the duration of their lives.

Now, the Nye County Sheriff’s Office is facing a lawsuit for allowing the suspect to drive away.

Should I file a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one in Las Vegas?

When you lose a family member in a tragic accident, you’re faced with both devastating emotional trauma and unexpected financial burdens. While criminal charges may hold the responsible party accountable, a wrongful death claim can provide crucial financial support for your family’s future.

Our Las Vegas wrongful death attorneys can help you understand your rights under Nevada law (NRS 41.085) and pursue fair compensation for your losses. We’ve helped numerous families recover damages for:

Medical and Final Expenses These immediate costs can create significant financial strain during an already difficult time. Recoverable damages include emergency medical treatment, funeral services, burial arrangements, and any property damage related to the accident. We’ll also help manage estate administration expenses that arise.

Future Financial Losses The death of a family member often means the loss of their financial contributions. We’ll work with financial experts to calculate the full extent of:

  • Income your loved one would have earned
  • Employment benefits and pension values
  • Anticipated inheritance impacts
  • Value of household services and support

Emotional and Relationship Damages Nevada law recognizes the profound personal impact of losing a family member. You may be eligible to recover compensation for:

  • Loss of companionship and emotional support
  • Mental anguish and emotional suffering
  • Lost parental guidance for children
  • Loss of spousal relationship and intimacy

When should I contact a Las Vegas wrongful death lawyer?

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, speaking with an experienced wrongful death attorney can help you understand your options. Our legal team handles all aspects of your claim while you focus on your family’s emotional healing. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your losses.

How can our Las Vegas wrongful death attorneys help? Our dedicated trial lawyers will:

  • Thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s death
  • Document all economic and non-economic damages
  • Handle all communication with insurance companies
  • Build a strong case proving negligence
  • Fight for maximum compensation through settlement or trial

Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation 24/7 with a compassionate wrongful death attorney. We’ll review your case details and explain how we can help protect your family’s financial future during this challenging time.

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